Chapter Three

Holy shit. Holy shit holy shit.

They are turned to him and I know they can't see me, so I bolt out of the tub and run. I don't even bother to dress, I just grab my things and go. I head straight to my tent, my legs screaming in pain but I ignore them.

By the time I make it back to my tent, I'm hyperventilating. I throw my things down and collapse on my cot. What do I do? That is the man who changed my whole life out there, and Madame is going to do Goddesses-knows-what to him.

At this point I'm shaking and hot tears are starting to roll down my cheeks. What the hell do I do? I grab my pillow, sobbing my hydration into it until I'm sick to my stomach and am falling into the dark oblivion of sleep.

I wake slowly, my whole body feeling chapped. My eyes are scorched and my lips are so dry, any movement of them with surely crack them. I don't bother doing anything about them and throw on a pair of my white pants and a gold crop top. I brush my hair out with my fingers, leaving it in it's natural look.

I put on my gold slippers and sluggishly make my way outside to the dining area. Grabbing a plate of fruit and cheese, I head to my normal spot at a long wooden table. I try and prepare myself for the gossip I'm about to hear of Link.

"I heard it took almost ten women to hold him down just for a bath!" I hear one girl exclaim. Surprisingly, there was hoards of girls talking about him. Everyone.

"I heard his dick is massive!"

"I would love to get my mouth on those abs."

"I wish to run my fingers through all that golden hair.."

I was not prepared for this. I start eating my food a little faster.

"…But not a sound came from Madame's chamber. I heard she didn't even touch him." Oh thank goodness.

I quickly stand and take my plate to the dish bin and throw it in, then hastily make my way to my training area again.

"I barge through my bedroom door, snatching the small envelope from underneath my pillow, oh-so-eager to read it. I haven't had even a minute to open my latest letter from Link.

'My dearest Zelda,

(Oh no.. I sound like your men from those romance novels!)

I cannot go by minutes without thinking of how you are. (There I go again..) But seriously. I will be there to see you soon.

Ilia has been very pessimistic and jealous since I've been "paying more attention to letters than her". You have my thought every minute of every day.

It has been such a long time since I have kissed you, though it was only the one time when we first met almost a year ago, I've made the decision I WILL do it the next time we are together. Surprise. Ha.

Watch for me on the night of your party. I shall see you then.

I apologize that this note is short, but I promise my time with you will not be as such.

Your fairest prince from your novels,

Link

My heart flies to my throat. He's going to kiss me! I find it so romantic that he hasn't done it again, in a tragic, mysterious way. We've seen each other about ten times since. We've gotten so close to kissing, but he just breaks it off and hugs me. We mainly kiss on the cheek or forehead which I love, but damn, you could kill a girl.

My lips ache with longing as I re-read the letter. He has had one birthday since we've met which now makes him 17. My birthday is the day he's coming."

"Zelda!" I practically fall off the couch onto the floor. Madame is standing over me, an angry look on her face. I stare wide-eyed at her, seeing a large bruise that has been forming on her face.

"What are you staring at? Get up and get practicing!" she yells, grabbing me by the hair. I let out a small cry and stop about mid way, hardening myself and going up to the chair on the stage area next to the dancing pole.

"As you wish Madame", I whisper in a defeated voice, but still trying to keep it strong and firm. For the next ten hours, I spend my day in that room practicing my hips and dancing, also wondering what exactly happened to her face.

My legs are like water as I fall down the pole onto the ground, smacking my shoulder hard. I let out a small exasperated sigh as I try and pull my self up onto my shaky legs. I hurt twice as bad as yesterday, working my ass off to impress Madame which I'm sure is not working.

I hear a dinner bell chime for women that are still here as soon as I gather my things. I don't even bother going to change out of my sweaty clothes. I go straight for the meat, bread and cheese, then proceed taking my normal spot outside at the long wooden table.

It's dark by now. The torches and candles creating a soft ambiance, though the feeling is rather wicked tonight. My thoughts keep going to Link. Where is he? What are those nasty whores doing to him?

There are quite a few women missing tonight. All of them are out at the camps working. Tonight a great night to pry, I think to myself. My chances of getting caught are lower now.

I've finished off my plate by now, grabbing it and dumping it in the wash bin. I hastily make my way to my tent and grab my things to go bathe. I begin slowly walk to the natural stone tubs, knowing there will be a few women there.

As I come upon the baths, there are only two girls there who are heavily petting and making out with each other. I slink behind a rock to give them their privacy, not caring to see their bare bodies and their mouths all over each other. I let my thoughts wander back to the night of my birthday.

"I pace around my room thinking to myself why Link isn't here yet. Maybe he ran into trouble? Maybe he was in trouble by the guards? Endless possibilities.

I hear a soft knock at my door and I jump in excitement, but it's a woman's voice that comes through.

'Zelda, your father requests you down in the ball room for you party'.

I walk to the door and allow the maid to escort me down to the celebration. I didn't realize how tightly I was holding on to her.

'Your majesty, you have nothing to worry about. Your father has really out done himself on this one. In a good way', she chuckles, lightly patting my hand and I try to loosen my grip on her.

We make our way to the ball room and stop at the door. The maid leaves me to inform my father that I'm here.

The heavy, oak double doors open and I step through. I'm surrounded by loud applause. I blush and grin, turning my eyes down the stairs to my father at the other end of the room and around the thrones where he resides. My eyes widen with disbelief.

There, standing next to him, is the man I've been waiting to see for over a month.

'Link..' I whisper. Hoisting up my skirts, I make my way down the stairs, smiling and waving, yet my eyes are only locked on Link. I hastily yet gracefully make my way to him. He takes my hand and bows to me. Still holding my hand, he turns to my father.

'May I have the honor of giving your daughter her first dance, your majesty?'

'Of course, Link. I wouldn't have anyone else!' my father happily belts. He chuckles as Link takes me away from the dance floor. He wraps his arm around my waist, taking me tightly to his chest and we lock hands. I haven't spoken a word, just stared wide eyed and mouth slightly agape.

'Wow Link. You look..' I pause, at a loss of words.

'Handsome? Majestic? Sexy?' he teases with a wink.

'Beautiful', I whisper in awe. 'Just like the ancient Hero's of Time'. He is dressed in a green tunic trimmed with gold, white, tight pants and new brown boots. Princes now dress like this and he looks exactly like a royal. It fits him well.

'Gee Zel, ancient and beautiful aren't quite the words I was looking for', Link teases with a feigned look of sadness and embarrassment. I lightly punch him in the arm, somewhat coming into reality that he is finally here.

'Where have you been? I've been worried sick!', I exclaim to him. He just smiles and chuckles, taking me tighter into his warm and familiar embrace.

'Oh, your father was discussing a few things with me about Orodon and he gave me these clothes. I can't make it past him without an hours talk,' he laughs, shrugging.

'I was worried you had forgotten me or something terrible had happened. Don't do that again to me! I was scared sick!'

We dance closely as the song comes to an end. He dips me low and walks me to the table. I can't keep my eyes off of him as we sip our champagne.

'Zelda seriously, what's with the staring? I mean I know I'm good looking but damn'.

'S-sorry', I stutter. 'It's just the resemblance to the hero's is impeccable.'

He laughs,' Come mi 'lady. We shall dance 'til the nights end.' He grabs my hand and back to the dance floor he takes me and my pounding heart.

We've been dancing and enjoying each others company for a few hours now. A few of the other princes danced with me. My father made it clear that I needed to mingle with them for future purposes. I know what that means, but I refuse to think about that now.

A prince that I do not remember the name of comes to take me away and leads me back out to the dance floor. I turn to look at Link as we start dancing and see he has a very stern look of jealousy.

As the prince spins me around and around, I keep my eyes on Link, refusing to loose our eye contact. I haven't looked any other man in the face tonight except for the slight glance to tell them thank you for their wishes of a merry birthday.

I loose sight of him for just a moment and as soon as I am able to regain a good view of him, I see him being surrounded by four or five girls my age. I turn to the prince and excuse myself. Bowing and thanking him for the lovely dance, I turn and confidently walk up to Link.

'Excuse me ladies, I am afraid you are boring my boyfriend', I say in a plain voice, grabbing his hand and taking him back to the dance floor with a wink.

I catch him smirking as he wraps his arm back around my waist, the only waist it belongs. We clasp hands and start dancing. The night has grown late and the candles dim.

The most romantic part of the evening. Most younger kids have left and all that is left is married couples and courting lovebirds about our age and older. Nights like these are very anticipated by courting couples. You can actually get away with staying up all night with your lover.

I stand up onto my tiptoes, lifting my hand off of his shoulder and cupping it around his ear like I am about to tell him a secret.

'I know princesses should be kind and merciful, but you are mine and only mine.' I growl this into his ear. Then before pulling away, I reach my mouth even closer to his ear and sensually bite his earlobe and drag my teeth as I pull my head back, teasing to show my true feelings at he moment. I hear him gasp and his arm around me flexes hard, pulling my whole body against him as close as it he can get me.

I can feel every muscle of his body against me hardened. He takes his hand from our clasped hands and put it against the side of my face, pulling my chin towards him.

'Now your majesty, keep this up and I'll have to take you right here, though I'm sure your father and all these princes would love that', he breathes heavily but with sarcasm. 'You are making it very hard to behave myself.' He rubs his nose tip against mine and I let out a small giggle. He let's my chin go and we continue dancing, keeping our eyes locked.

We blend in well with the other couples. With the light dim we aren't easy to watch, though I'm sure our moment there did not go unnoticed.

As the music slowed, both of my arms wound around Link's neck and his around my waist. I lean my head against his chest, very comfortable. The feeling of love in this room is unexplainable. There are dozens of couples mirroring us, some kissing, others just entranced in the company.

'Link, I..', I whisper, pausing of uncertainty. I want to tell him I love him, but I can't bring myself to do it.

'Yes, Zelda?'

'I, I'm very pleased that you are here, with me, tonight.'

'Mmm', I feel his response vibrate through his chest against my cheek. 'I hope this night doesn't end.'

We spend about one more hour dancing in each others arms. It's about two in the morning and the ballroom is still full. I'm almost half asleep from the alcohol as Link starts pulling me away, deep into the castle towards my room. We are both a little tipsy from all the drinks, but we manage to make it to my room with just a few stumbles along the way.

As I turn to say good night to Link, before I can even comprehend what is happening, I feel his arm wrap around my waist and his palm against my cheek, his fingers entangling their way through my hair. He pushes my body against the stone cold wall and presses his lips hard against mine, his hips finding mine. I place a hand on his waist and my free hand finds his hair, curling my fingers through it, pulling him harder to me.

He breaks our passionate kiss, breathing hard with the crisp, sweet smell of champagne on his lips.

'Surprise', he teases and I blush deep red.

'Link, I..', again wanting to day those precious words. 'Will you please stay with me?', I ask timidly. He wraps an arm around my waist and the other around my neck, gingerly kissing my lips.

'Anything for my princess', he whispers in my ear, taking my earlobe into his mouth and giving it a quick suck, ending it with a small bite. This makes me gasp and my body go ridged, then melt against him.

He kisses me again, but it's cut off quickly as we hear a giggling couple around the corner and loud kissing sounds. I look into his twinkling blue eyes, lost I'm their love that they hold from me. It eventually goes quiet and we hurriedly move to hide in my chambers.

He snickers, opening the door to my room and we stumble in.

'Not so easy being on the other side of that, is it?', he teases from sucking on my ear, making his way to the bathroom. I step behind my privacy screen, tipsily undoing the buttons of my dress, obviously having issues with my numb fingers. I feel warm fingers graze my neck after a few unsuccessful moments from my own fingers. They swipe my hair to one side, flipping it over my shoulder.

'Here, let me help,' Link's soft voice sounds from behind me, his warm breath surrounding my neck causing goose flesh to appear. I grab all of my long blonde hair in my right hand, twisting it nervously as he undoes the buttons of my gown. My dress falls to the ground and I step out of it, hanging it over the screen. I feel him start working at the clasps of my corset, his fingers lightly brushing the skin of my back causing my whole body to shiver.

'Are you cold?', Link murmurs next to my ear. He has finished unclasping my corset, letting me hold it for privacy.

'Actually, yes. But that is not why I shiver,' I say. He runs his finger tenderly down my spine and steps out around to the other side of the privacy screen. I lift my eyes and catch a glimpse of his bare, muscular back. His muscles rippling as he turns away and the gold in his hair shines from the candle light. He is gorgeous.

I hang my corset over the screen along with my gown and dress down to just my panties. I nervously walk out from behind the screen to the open room. Link is dressed in just light fabric pants for bed. He is throwing logs on the fire to warm us up. I walk to the fur rug on the floor just behind him, as it is close to the fire and I really am quite cold in this stone room. I sit myself cross-legged on the fur, wrapping my arms around my shins. Propping my chin up on my knees, I dreamily gaze at Link's back. Never would I have the nerve to sit in front of him in just panties anytime soon, but the alcohol makes me brave tonight.

He turns around and spots me, sucking in a small, sharp breath, obviously not expecting to see me almost completely naked.

'Come, lay with me and warm up'. I pat the spot next to me, giving him a small peek of the side of my breast. He joins me on the floor, leaning back onto his hands and his legs stretched out. I scoot as close as I can and lean against his shoulder.

'Link?' I start.

'Yes?'

'Do you.. want to be with me? And I don't just mean as a couple. I mean,' I pause, sighing, unsure to continue, 'as lovers.'

Link gently grabs my check, turning my face to him. He is blushing, but not as bad as I. His eyelids lower as his face draws nearer to mine. His lips graze mine lightly, as a butterflies wings.

'I would love nothing more than to be bound to you in every way my princess'. Me murmurs this against my lips, them brushing mine repeatedly as he speaks. He pushes me down onto the fur rug, my arms wrap around my breasts in embarrassment. He lays his body lightly on top of mine, propping his torso up with his arms. We begin passionately kissing, my hands find his back and allow my larger breasts to finally show themselves to him and my fingers begin memorizing what they feel. I feel his defined muscles, glad that I finally have them under my fingertips. My hands rub down his ribs and slowly finger their way over his pecks and down to his abs. They are rock hard from the way he is postured. I run my fingers up and down them and he shivers.

'Zelda, you are exquisite and I'm not sure I can control myself, but now is not the time for me to bed with you. As much as I'd love to claim you as mine right here, we need to wait, but I want to do everything else to you right this instant.'

Link kisses me deeply and passionately. After a few moments of desperate making out, his kisses move down my neck, leaving a tingling to linger. He grabs my wrists and moves my arms above my head with one hand. I gasp in surprise of the sudden erotic behavior and arch my back, pressing my chest towards him. I feel his mouth sucking and biting at my neck and his free hand gently slides up around my breast, softly exploring the new territory. I let out a pleasurable breath and his body softens against mine. His mouth trails down my skin, leaving a trail of goose flesh where his lips touched. His lips begin to circle around my nipple but don't touch it. I let out a hungry groan and arch my back again, trying to pull my hands away from their prison. He gives in and finally puts his hot mouth on the hard nipple, sucking and biting.

After a few breaths, he drags his tongue slowly across my sternum to my other breast, taking the nipple between his teeth and rolling his tongue over it. I let out a small squeal, relieved that this nipple had finally gotten its longing attention. He chuckles in satisfaction, squeezing my unattended breast in his hand. Releasing my hands finally, he crushes his lips on mine, kissing me desperately and quickly. I wrap my arms around his neck, pushing my hips into him. He grinds his hips against mine and I feel his stiffness rub against me. I gasp loudly at the feeling and wrap my leg around Link's waist, quickly flipping him onto his back so I am straddling him. We both let out a small laugh and continue kissing. I grind my hips back and forth against his new felt bulge, causing him to moan loudly in pleasure. I copy his past actions and start kissing down his chin, to his neck and down to his peck. I pause to bite him, sucking hard while doing so. After a few moments I pull away and see a deep purple love bite. I grin in satisfaction and start kissing his chest again and start making my way down his stomach. I kiss each ab sticking out from his abdomen and give the last one a soft nibble. My hands sneak down to the waistband of his pants, he is breathing hard and I pull the side down, kissing down my way to his hip and bite his hip bone. He gasps, saying my name and grabs a handful of my hair. I look up and give him a beckoning, sultry smile. I start to pull his pants down, finally getting a peek of what has been causing my whole body to throb. It's huge. I stare wide eyed, my mouth and certain other areas start to water. I shyly look up into Link's eyes.

'Don't worry Zel, it doesn't bite', he teases me with a soft laugh.

Timidly putting my mouth against him, I slowly lick my way up his shaft, pausing for a moment before taking the large head into my mouth. I wet it with my tongue and give it a small, shy suck. He lays back, arching his back and pushing his hips closer to me. I slowly descend, taking his large throbbing member into my mouth. I start rocking back and forth, pulling it in and out of my dripping mouth. He is panting short, heavy breaths, repeating my name and moans together. I continue like this for quite some time, using my hand as another grip.

He is too large to only attend to it with one hand, so I switch from one to the other, sometimes using both. Link starts sweating and gritting his teeth, grabbing my head, he pulls it up off of him and brings my lips to his. Groaning, he flips me onto my back. I lay there, panting with my arms and hair strung out about me. He kisses my stomach, looping his fingers through my panties, he drags them right down my thighs. I give him an arch of my waist, welcoming the quick gesture. He pulls them off and tosses them away, long forgotten. Not wasting any time, he parts my legs and lowers his lips to my thighs, sexually biting the inside tender area. He stops and takes a long look at my most private area. I see he has goose flesh all over his body, his cock looking extremely ridged.

With a satisfying sigh, he finally brings his mouth to me. I let out a loud, open-mouthed moan, grabbing a handful of his hair. He is amazing! His actions make my mind go blank. I can't think of anything except how much I want him. Forever. Only mine. He sucks at my clitoris, causing another loud moan from me, and a heavy pant of his name. I feel him smile, obviously satisfied with himself. He works over me for quite a while. I feel a long slender penetration deep inside me and I clench in pleasure. His finger slides slowly out of me, soaking wet. He then puts it back in, now pushing and pulling it in and out. I can't control my moaning, my whole body going ridged. I sit up and glance down at him. He sits up, leaving his finger inside me and grabs himself, rubbing his manhood himself. The faster he strokes himself, the faster his finger moves. I see him trembling heavily and we both are panting hard. Finally, finally he puts his cock against my clit, rubbing it up and down against me, sliding silkily thanks to his earlier actions whilst still moving his hand up and down himself. He leans down over me, bracing himself on one arm while continuing stroking himself against me. I wrap my arms around his neck, careful not to move my hips away from him and part my legs as far open as they will go. I crush our lips together, deepening our lustful passion towards each other.

'Please Link', I beg,' please take me'. He rubs me harder, focusing his tip right on my opening.

'Zelda,' he says in a desperate tone, ' we can't. I'm going to come and I can't make you pregnant.' He starts quaking hard, obviously close to his orgasm. We both reach our climax together, letting out a loud moan and tensing from each of us. I feel his warm, precious seed spill onto me, running down my clitoris. He gives my opening a few last rubs and pulls away. He leans down and kisses me deeply. Collapsing beside me, we try and slow our panting. He pulls me into him and we sit in silence, clinging to each other like we intend to never let go. Our sticky, sweaty bodies are helping keep us together.

After some time of laying in each others arms, he lifts me like a parent does a baby, sleepily carrying me to my large four posted bed. He lays me down on the red silk sheets, joining me and pulling the large down blanket over us. I curl up to him, laying my head on his shoulder. Lifting his head, he gives me a long, sweet kiss. He lays his head back down, putting his free arm under his head.

'Link, that was amazing', I whisper to him with sincere gratitude.

'Indeed it was. You are quite the extraordinary woman Zelda'.

'Thank you Link, for all of this. There is nothing I wish more than to be with you.' With a yawn he replies;

'As do I, my princess'. My eyes slip shut, exhausted from all of our activities from tonight. I fall into a deep sleep in the arms of the only man I intend to ever love.

'I love you', Link whispers into my ear. I'm unaware that he actually says this, only thinking it is a dream.

I sleep soundly for the rest of the night, feeling like a changed woman.

My eyes flash open and I try to regain my consciousness. I must have been asleep for at least two hours. I pick up my things and make my way to the stone tub. Dropping my bathing supplies, I undress and step into the warm water, sinking down into its comforting grasp. I slowly wash myself, cleaning my hair with shampoo and conditioners, then scrubbing my body with a mint wash that I had made myself. I attempt to rub the knots out of my legs and arms, not doing a very good job, but enough to wind myself down. I lay back against one of the stone walls, letting myself think more of Link. I worry how he is, what's happening to him. I really hope they are at least keeping him fed and healthy. Maybe they'll bring him out to bathe tonight with all the girls asleep.

As if it were right on cue, I hear women's voices. I slink down deeper into the water, hoping not to get caught. Their bodies come into view, I see them holding the chains which bound Link's wrists. They get him to the edge of the other large tub and undress him of the pants he is wearing. I slowly move forward, trying my best to move quietly so I can look him over. There are deep purple welt things all over his stomach, chest, neck, legs and arms. I take a large shaky breath. He has purple bruises around his ankles where it looks as if he was tied up.

He doesn't fight with them tonight. As soon as he is stripped naked, he steps down into the water. I can see from here he is keeping his eyes down and his lips looked chapped. He looks.. defeated. I've decided the welts must be hickies. The thought of putting their mouths on him make me angry.

The women chain his cuffs to two far posts, obviously more prepared from their first experience trying bathe him. They work over him, scrubbing him down and cleaning him very well. One girl even starts rubbing his back and shoulders. I swear I catch a shimmer from a tear rolling down his cheek from beneath his furrowed brow and closed eyes. He seems pretty angry. They stand and admire their work, letting him soak a minute.

"You have twenty minutes before it's time to go back to Madame's. Maybe try and relax a little. I could stay and help if you prefer some company," the woman says seductively.

"Leave me", Link growls a little angrily. She gives him a huff and they walk off. I watch him for a moment, he just sits there with his arms pulled out from his sides, hanging his head. He lets out a shaky sob.

I jump up as soon as I'm sure the other women are clear and start to walk towards him. He stirs at the sound of the water moving from me leaving my pool.

"Who's there?" he asks , looking up and saying his words in a loud, mean sounding whisper. I stand up on the ledge of his pool and hastily walk around to where he is. It's quite dark so he can't see me too well.

"Please just leave me be for one damn night!", he says into the darkness, dropping his head. I slip into his pool and walk up to him. I place my hands gingerly on either side of his face and lift it to see mine. His eyes widen in excitement and recognition and the life in his eyes return. Tears spring into his eyes and the sight of him upset makes my eyes water also. I crush my lips against his before he can make a sound and hold onto his face tightly. I break the kiss and wrap one arm around his neck and the other over his head as if I was protecting him, gentle not to pull his arms anymore than they already are. I lay my head on top of his, letting out a very shaken sob.

"Oh, Zel", he quietly cries.

"Shhh", I quietly try to comfort him. "I'm here." I can't stop the flooding tears from rolling down my cheeks since it's been over two long years since I've been able to lay eyes on him or touch him. I pull back, finding him the same way.

"We don't have long, but don't fight them Link. They will hurt you", I say sobbing. "Have they hurt you?" He shakes his head, clearing his throat of tears.

"It's nothing I can't handle." I step back and look him over. The bruises from the women's whore-mouths are pretty large. I kiss him on the lips briefly then kiss each bruise I see, hoping to take the emotional pain away for not just him but myself too. He lets out a sigh and for once I see him completely relax. I walk behind him, ducking underneath one of the ropes that binds his arms to the far posts.

"You must have really given them a run for their money for them to bind you like this." He lets out a small scoff and shrugs his shoulders.

I place my hands lightly on his back and start rubbing his shoulders. He lets out a small sigh, almost inaudible. I work at all of his muscles from his shoulders to his waist, glad to see his sexy muscles haven't changed one bit if not they are bigger. His head gently falls back against my chest as I massage him. After about ten minutes of rubbing him, I step back around to his face.

"You look dehydrated", I say matter-of-factly. I turn to grab one of the glasses of water that I had brought with me.

"Well this heat is pretty brutal with no water. Though that dumb bitches room is kept pretty dark and cool." His harsh words surprise me a little, I've never heard him speak so ill of another. I lift the bottle to his lips and he drains the contents. I wipe away the dripping water from his lower lip with my thumb and we stare into each others eyes for a short moment. I walk back to my things and grab a lip salve.

"Here, this will help." I dip my finger in and pull out a generous amount then apply it to his lips, making sure it gets rubbed in well. I wipe away the access and put it on my own. We hear women chattering from a distance away.

"They are returning. I must leave now Link. They cannot know that we have talked or that we know each other. Do they bathe you every night?" He nods. "Good. I shall wait here for you every night. I'll do my best to see you sooner." I hold the sides of his face once again and kiss him with some urgency. I pull quickly away and hug him. With a heavy heart, unwrap myself from him and start to turn away. I look back to him, he has hope in his eyes.

"When they do things to you Link, think of me. It helps with the pain", I say as tears start falling down my cheeks again. He blinks a few times then gives me a quick nod.

"I will wait for you here Zelda", his voice seducing me as he says my name. It beckons me to stay. I wrap myself quickly in my silk robe and hide behind a rock. We still can have eyes on each other as the women come back to untie him from the posts. He doesn't remove his eyes from me. They take him out of the water and dry him off, dressing him in clean, white cotton pants and still keeping his arms outstretched. He gives me one last glance as they turn him to walk back to Madame's chambers. I shove my fist to my mouth, sliding my back down the rock until I'm seated and let out a few sobs, still in shock from my precious moments that I was able to have with him. I squeeze my eyes shut, taking a moment, then using a hand to push myself up and walk back to my tent.

Throwing my things down, I rip my robe off leaving myself completely naked and crawl under my blankets. Finally, I let out the waterworks, drenching my pillow in tears. I sob myself into exhaustion until the sleep claims me. Surprisingly, I sleep better than I ever have in almost three years.